Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
LET'S ENERGIZE!
Are you fond of writing? Do you find it easy to write or does it take time before you could start
writing? Below are pictures which may illustrate your views about writing. Choose one picture
that reveals your idea about the writing task. And tell your reasons to a partner. Here are some
questions to guide you in the sharing activity:
Is it easy to choose a topic for writing? Do you prefer writing with a given topic?
• How do you prepare for writing? Do you consider your readers and their interests?
What does the word "creative" mean to the writers? Is there a huge difference between
regular writing and creative writing? According to expert writers, there is always creativity in
writing. "Creative writing is writing that expresses the writer's thoughts and feelings in an
imaginative, often unique way." (Sil. org, What is Creative Writing?) It is geared towards
presenting one's ideas and feelings rather than just conveying information. It is synonymous to
gaining a license to write which allows writers to form their rules in writing.
This suggests that the writer is an artist who explores his or her writing capability by
being adventurous and fearless in dealing with the stumbling blocks of writing. However, some
experts highlight that creative writing is not just about being able to express one's ideas and
feelings, but also about careful construction of words, phrases, and sentences. This is true since
writers must be selective in their word choice and must observe correct grammar to be fully
understood by the readers, but this thought should not hinder them from going beyond the
conventions of writing. In most references, creative writing is defined as "the process of writing
stories or narrations that focus more on entertaining and telling a story than simply relating
facts. It is a form of fiction or created work" (Cavallari, August 2014).
Young writers often face the question, "How do I motivate myself to write creatively?" In
the classroom, they are encouraged to write and produce something meaningful and insightful.
They are given a certain topic or theme to work on even if they are not familiar with it or not
interested in it. They find themselves writing in class simply to comply with the subject
requirements. In creative writing, this must be avoided since it does not motivate one to write.
Effective writing is only achieved by an inspired and well-motivated writer. Before engaging in
this creative task, one should know the answers to this question: Why do we write? Below are
some good reasons.
• Write to be entertained
Once the writer has started, he or she becomes drawn to writing. Some writers might not even
put down their pen or might lock themselves in their room so that they can focus on their
writing. This requires choosing a topic that aligns with one's interests. Writing will even spice
up one's life as one tries to explore one's inner self and everything around the writer.
There are instances when one cannot share thoughts and ideas freely. One good solution instead
of gathering the courage to express these verbally is to try writing all of them down. There are
also some ideas and emotions that must be kept private. One can write without having to
consider what others might think. Writing can be a venue for individuals to present their views
freely and be appreciated by all kinds of readers.
Writing inspires us to become what we intend to be, and enables us to use our imagination. It is
through writing that we are able to create characters that illustrate our personality or our other
side. Our creativity becomes limitless because readers tend to appreciate unique and
extraordinary characters. We achieve self-expression without having to worry about people's
reactions. We can be a superhero, a celebrity, a politician, or anyone we dream of becoming.
If you have the gift of writing, you should make good use of it in order to influence others.
Your work might be compelling enough to move people and allow them to take a stand on a
certain issue. Your writing might even be an instrument to touch people's hearts and enable
them to renew their ways of living. You can inspire them to be better individuals through your
written work.
According to the Creative Writing program of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Teaching Center in Columbia University, writers must keep in mind the following principles to
further enhance their writing skills:
Writers must be familiar with the fundamental techniques of fiction and non-fiction writing.
This is achieved through extensive reading and examining published literary materials such as
books, magazines, literary folios, journals, and all the other forms of literature. By doing so, the
writer becomes aware of various strategies in writing and learns about new writing styles.
Reading models or samples of literary works will guide the young writer to write creatively.
This will also give the writer an idea to employ his or her own unique writing style.
• Learn to make revisions
Effective writers are always aware and conscious of their writing craft. They criticize their own
work to improve it. As a writer, one should practice editing or proofreading one's work. It is
also ideal to ask other readers to evaluate one's work to ensure good flow of words and
presentation of ideas.
Every writer must learn that creative writing is not only about using one's imagination, but also
presents ideas, themes, arguments, and questions. It provides valuable insights about the human
mind and the world.
Creative writing involves a wide range of literary forms. This includes fiction and non-fiction
works. These writing forms illustrate a style that centers on expressing one's feelings and
thoughts rather than merely giving facts or details. Thus, any kind of writing that deals with
human emotions, interactions of men with incorporations of the human soul is categorized as
creative writing. Adapted from an article written by Linda St. Cyr, the following are some
forms of creative writing:
Another form of creative writing used by renowned authors in classic and contemporary
literature is flash fiction, also referred to as micro fiction. This type differs from a short story in
terms of length because it is shorter. It may be a condensed story with minimal words, but it
provides be the reader a whole image of the story. Charles Baudelaire, Ernest Heming way,
Yasunari Kawabata, and Lydia Davis are some of the famous writers who introduced flash
fiction.
To most beginning writers, writing is a difficult task because it calls for the right skills.
Writing should not be regarded in that way because all it takes is to learn the writing process. It
is comprised of steps to follow in order to come up with a well-written work. Teachers who
facilitate writing activities must tackle the writing process before giving the writing task. A
thorough discussion of the steps in the writing process can help solve writer's block. Writing
can be made more enjoyable and thrilling by observing the following steps:
1. Pre-writing
This is the stage when writers choose a topic, generate ideas, gather in formation, and create an
outline through the use of charts and diagrams. Stating the purpose for writing and the target
readers may be done at this phase.
Writers work on their preliminary composition based on their outlined ideas and information. In
this stage, the work must be organized in order to present a clear and specific idea. Unity and
coherence is achieved by checking the topic along with its supporting details. The purpose for
writing must be reflected in the draft.
3. Revising
This stage involves evaluating, rewriting, and modifying the written work. This entails
restating, adding, or deleting sentences as needed. This is also the stage where the writer may
examine whether the substance and writing style are suitable for the target readers.
4. Editing
At this phase, writers look for errors in spelling, grammar, and structure. It is the proofreading
stage in the writing process. Writers edit their work to enhance the writing mechanics as well as
their style. Letting other writers proofread one's work is advantageous since their feedback will
also serve as a guide.
5. Publishing
The final step is accomplished by sharing the final output with a group. A well-written
composition may be published in print or through online or digital publishing,
LET'S PRACTICE!
After knowing the nature of creative writing, its forms and principles, as well as the steps in
writing, write a three-paragraph essay on any of the following broad topics:
1. Cyber-bullying
2. Sibling rivalry
3. Family problems
6. Effects of technology
Observe the given steps in the writing process. Start by narrowing your chosen topic.
Accomplish your paper by generating ideas, outlining, and drafting. Once you finish writing,
ask two classmates to read your work for editing and revising. Rewrite your paper to make the
necessary corrections and revisions.
LET'S CHECK!
Recall the salient points discussed in this unit, and answer the items below.